Saturday, September 17, 2011

WILMINGTON, Del. -- The Los Angeles Dodgers have asked a federal bankruptcy judge to approve procedures for the team to auction its local television rights for the 2014 season and beyond.

In a 37-page motion filed Friday with U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross, the Dodgers say "market conditions are optimal for licensing the telecast rights because the market for sports media rights in Los Angeles is vibrant at this time."

The Dodgers say "there can be no assurance that these ideal market conditions will last" and they should be allowed to sell rights now "to avoid any risk of deterioration in value."

Baseball and others have until Sept. 30 to file objections, which are likely. A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 12.